How to Create AI Images That Pass Detection Tools

AI image generators have given everyone the power to create eye-catching visuals in seconds. The catch? Many of these images come with subtle fingerprints that AI detectors – and sharp-eyed viewers – can spot. If you want your images to blend in for web design, creative projects or personal use, it helps to know how these detectors work and how you can avoid common pitfalls.

Why AI images get detected

Detection tools, both automated and manual, are on the lookout for digital “tells”. Some are obvious, like surreal artefacts or warped lighting. Others are subtle and only show up under forensic inspection. Most people want their images to pass simply to keep their work looking natural, consistent, or just free of the generic “AI look”.

What image detectors look for

AI detectors – whether they’re public web tools or industry software – usually focus on:

• Repetitive or mechanical patterns in backgrounds and textures
• Odd, flat, or inconsistent lighting and shadows
• Artefacts, ghostly outlines or repeated shapes
• Unnatural blur or sharpness across the whole image
• Perfectly smooth surfaces with no grain or detail
• Unusual, hyper-saturated, or “plastic” colours
• Metadata that reveals an AI generator or has missing camera information

There’s much more going on behind the scenes, from advanced image forensics to intelligence-level analysis. If you’re interested in the tools and science behind these detectors, keep an eye out for our upcoming deep-dive.

How to make AI images look undetectably real

Here are some plain-English strategies to help your images pass most detection tools:

Focus on real-world imperfection

• Use prompts that include everyday details: weathered stone, grass tufts, a bit of mess or character in the scene
• Describe authentic lighting and natural shadows
• Ask for subtle age or signs of life, rather than perfect, glossy surfaces

Pick the right AI tool

• Some image generators are better at realism than others – look for models or settings labelled “photographic”, “documentary”, or “natural”
• Check user galleries or sample outputs before you start

Edit and post-process your images

• Clean up any visual glitches or strange artefacts using a photo editor
• Add gentle grain or noise to mimic a real camera
• Adjust colours, contrast, and lighting for a believable finish
• Selectively blur backgrounds or edges to create real-world focus effects

Blend in real elements

• Overlay or composite real photo textures at low opacity
• Mix small real-world details (like skies or ground textures) into your AI image

Test and check your work

• Use free detection tools to scan your image before sharing
• Double-check metadata and file info if you’re submitting to stock sites or clients

One more thing: the human eye may spot what AI detectors miss

It’s important to remember that even if your image passes all the AI detection tools, the human eye can still pick up oddities. This might be a strange texture, an unusual detail, or simply something that feels “off”.

That’s why it’s always worth reviewing your image yourself – and, if possible, asking others for feedback too. If you notice any areas that look odd or unnatural, don’t hesitate to correct them:

• Use AI software to regenerate or touch up specific spots (such as inpainting or outpainting features).
• Or fix them with traditional photo editing tools (retouching, cloning - carefully!, brushwork, or selective blur).

Taking this extra step helps ensure your image doesn’t just fool the algorithms, but also looks perfectly natural to real people.

Why these steps work

Images that feel truly real – with small imperfections, natural lighting, and authentic textures – are far less likely to be flagged. Case in point: a carefully described, candid cottage scene passed nearly every online AI detector by including subtle detail, authentic light, and natural “messiness”.

Ethics in a nutshell

Use these methods responsibly. Always be honest about your process if accuracy is required.

Want to know how image forensics really works?

We’ll soon be publishing a guide to the forensic tools and science behind AI detection – from open-source heatmaps to classified intelligence methods. Watch this space for a plain-English breakdown.

Useful links

For more on optimising images for the web, see our advice on speed and images and tips for AI-generated images in web design.